Leeds' joint synagogue youth group LJOY is opening a kosher restaurant for one night only to help raise money for its theatrical activities.

The joint youth project by Leeds' Orthodox synagogues will have youngsters and university students waiting on tables to serve a catered meal and has already seen more than 100 people book for the night at Etz Chaim Synagogue on Sunday.

Rabbi Rodney Mariner officially retired as minister of Belsize Square Synagogue on the weekend of his 70th birthday.

A packed Shabbat congregation heard Reform Judaism president Rabbi Tony Bayfield confess to "genuine envy" at how his colleague personified "the strong and authoritative but kind and approachable image that a rabbi needs in our time.

The Chief Rabbi has been accused of a U-turn after endorsing plans for an Orthodox school which could offer up to 50 per cent of places to non-Jewish children.

Parents in Golders Green have applied to the government to open a free primary school there. The school has the backing of Lord Sacks and will be presided over by Golders Green United Synagogue's Rabbi Harvey Belovski.